Richard E. "Richie" Stokes of Melrose died on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital at the age of 77 years old. Born in Malden on March 10, 1935, he was the only child of Francis & Dorothy (Smith) Stokes. He was raised in Everett and a 1953 graduate of Everett High School. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and all of his family. Mr. Stokes worked as an ASE Certified Mechanic & then as the Service Manager with Davidson Chevrolet of Malden for 52 years. He enjoyed golfing and at one time had a 6 handicap. For many years he enjoyed and loved his summers spent at Old Orchard Beach with family and friends. He also loved to read books and he was a member of the Melrose Elks. Richie was the devoted husband of Joanne C. (Lane) Stokes with whom they shared 56 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Joanne Driver & her husband Kenneth, Dianne Brown & her husband Alan, all of Melrose, Gail Novak & her husband John of TX, Linda Perullo & her husband Charles of Melrose, Colleen Ragusa & her husband Corey of Lynnfield & Richard Stokes, Jr. of Malden. Cherished "Pa" of Kenny & Stephanie Driver, Joshua & Jessica Brown, AJ & Joseph Novak & Corey & Michael Ragusa. Caring brother-in-law of Rita Walsh of Malden. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, February 20th at 8AM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8PM. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richie's memory may be made to Hallmark Health Hospice 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148. For directions or to sign Richard's guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com